Pinto Car Club of America

Welcome to FordPinto.com, The home of the PCCA => General Help- Ask the Experts... => Topic started by: Carolina Boy on March 07, 2009, 09:46:27 PM

Title: Ignition key stopped working
Post by: Carolina Boy on March 07, 2009, 09:46:27 PM
How do you remove the ignition cylinder from the streering column. ??? The cylinder has locked up. >:( Key won't turn either way.
Hep me!! Hep me!! :embarassed:
Title: Re: Ignition key stopped working
Post by: discolives78 on March 08, 2009, 03:24:05 AM
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3538/3337627412_c7c95b67f3.jpg)

Try spraying silicone lubricant on the key and inserting it into the lock and repeating a few times then trying to turn it. It's not frozen from a dripping windshield weatherstripping, is it?

Chuck
Title: Re: Ignition key stopped working
Post by: dave1987 on March 08, 2009, 09:26:56 AM
If it is stuck due to a dripping windshield gasket, it is pretty easy to drop the steering column to access the ignition switch at the base of the column. From there it is just two bolts and a large connector. If it is the switch, you won't be able to move the selector by pushing it forwards or backwards with a small head screwdriver. If it is cylinder, the switch should still move freely.
Title: Re: Ignition key stopped working
Post by: Carolina Boy on March 08, 2009, 11:14:00 AM
It is the cylinder. I  will try the spray. Worst that could happen is I have to change the cylinder. So you have to remove the wheel to replace the cylinder? If so, I was replacing the column anyways, later. Just might have to do it sooner than later.
Title: Re: Ignition key stopped working
Post by: Fred Morgan on March 08, 2009, 12:38:02 PM
Try different key.  Fred   :)
Title: Re: Ignition key stopped working
Post by: Carolina Boy on March 09, 2009, 08:55:15 PM
I made a boo boo. :nocool: Nothing was wrong with the cylinder or switch. :amazed: It was me. ;D In my senior moment :sleep: I didn't realize that the key had two sides and each had different bumps. :embarrassed: It's like two keys in one.  :surprised:I simply turned the key over and wala, VAROOM, she started. ;D I think I heard her laughing at me! :lol:
Title: Re: Ignition key stopped working
Post by: discolives78 on March 09, 2009, 09:11:26 PM
I had that done with a wagon a long time ago, after I switched the tailgate lock. Most people don't think about cutting the two sides of the key differently but a good locksmith will do it for you. I hadn't thought about that until now. What does the other side of the key fit?
Title: Re: Ignition key stopped working
Post by: Carolina Boy on March 10, 2009, 10:16:59 PM
It fits the door hatch and Glove box.
Title: Re: Ignition key stopped working
Post by: discolives78 on March 10, 2009, 10:48:49 PM
Sounds like someone changed the ignition cylinder and didn't want to have two keys.